Tag

bird-friendly living

Mar 30
0

Barr Lake Bioblitz

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Do you enjoy exploring the natural world and discovering new things, building your bird list, and connecting with fellow nature lovers and bird enthusiasts?

Then join us for the 2023 Bird Conservancy of the Rockies BioBlitz and Community Science Celebration! Enjoy a day of exploration as we count as many different species as we can at Barr Lake State Park, learn about the park’s biodiversity, and celebrate community science!

You’ll join scientists and experts on short walks around Barr Lake State Park where you search for, identify and record as many species as possible! Do you like birds? Join the ornithologists group! Do you want to learn about plants? Join the botanists group! Do you want practice your bird identification skills? Join a bird walk! Just want to hang out and enjoy a beautiful Colorado day? There will be lots of things to do at the Nature Center base camp! You can join survey groups anytime between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

2023 BioBlitz Schedule

(additional surveys are being added daily so check back often!)

7:00-9:00 a.m. Bird Banding demonstration at our Banding Station (concurrent with bird surveys)
7:00-8:00 a.m. Guided Bird Survey
8:00-9:00 a.m. Guided Bird Survey
10:00-11:00 a.m. – Guided Reptile and Amphibian Survey
10:00-11:00 a.m. – Guided Insect Survey
11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. – Guided Reptile and Amphibian Survey
11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. – Guided Insect Survey
12:00 – 12:30 p.m. Lunch!
12:30 – 1:00 p.m. Meet the Experts!
1:00 – 2:00 p.m. – Guided Plant Survey
2:00 – 3:00 p.m. – Guided Plant Survey
3:00 p.m. BioBlitz Wrap-Up

BioBlitz participation is free, but there is a $10 state park fee unless you have an Annual State Parks Pass.

Mar 21
0

15th Annual Karval Mountain Plover Festival

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The Karval Mountain Plover Festival began when Karval community members were looking at economic opportunities for this small community. We decided to “bring the bird lovers to the bird”. This is a weekend full of bird watching, Wildlife viewing tours, entertainment, history, arts and crafts, antiques, and LOTS OF GOOD FOOD!

Along with bird watching, here are some of the other things you will enjoy: You’ll get the chance to mingle with farmers and ranchers who choose to live in the local community and learn about their lifestyle. Eat home style food at every meal. Most meals are prepared by the community’s non-profit organizations. Saturday evening includes a Country dinner with authentic western entertainment. Learn about conservation practices and history of the area. Tour Private Land that would normally not be accessible. Make new friends!

Bird Conservancy staff will be at the event leading bird-watching tours and discussions about ecology, biology and natural resource management.

Visit https://mountainploverfestival.com/ for more information and to register!

Follow this LINK to download the festival brochure.

Jan 19
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40th Monte Vista Crane Festival

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Join Us For The Migration Experience Of A Lifetime. The 40th Festival Will Be March 10-12, 2023

Sandhill Cranes and other migratory birds follow a long route during their seasonal migrations. Along the way, there are many places where you can stop and view these beautiful creatures. So what makes the Monte Vista Crane Festival Unique? We believe it is a combination of unmatched scenery, exceptional wildlife viewing, and the friendly, welcoming communities of the San Luis Valley.

At the Monte Vista Crane Festival you can enjoy thousands of Sandhill Cranes, ducks, and geese flying against a backdrop of mountain scenery. Raptors will adorn the power poles and owls will be sitting with their young. A visit to the Monte Vista Crane Festival is an opportunity to see an amazing natural spectacle as well as experience a unique rural community.

Bird Conservancy’s Private Land Wildlife Biologist Anna Greenberg will be a presenter at the festival.

Visit mvcranefest.org to purchase your ticket and for more information.

Jan 04
0

Conservation Birding Tour – Sandhill Crane Migration

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Please note that this trip is currently full!
If you would like to be added to a waitlist of this trip or be contacted about future trips, please contact Joe Pettit. 

Join Bird Conservancy of the Rockies at the iconic Zapata Ranch for a weekend of exploration in the majestic San Luis Valley. Guests will be joined by scientists, birders, ranchers, and expert guides as they tour the 100,000 acre ranch and visit the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge to view Sandhill Cranes on their spring migration. This exclusive trip is perfect for birders, nature lovers and anyone interested in land conservation.

Medano – Zapata Ranch

The group will explore the extensive meadows, lakes, historic headquarters, and bison barn while learning about the 2,000-head wild bison herd and it’s role in conservation. We will explore the original Medano Homestead which dates back to the 1860s and see the fascinatingly diverse ecosystem in this portion of the ranch. As we drive amongst wild bison we will keep an eye out for the other extraordinary animals that call this side of the ranch home. Elk, porcupine, coyotes, golden eagles, great horned owls, hawks, and pronghorn are commonly spotted.

Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge

We’ll be greeted at Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge by the “gar-oo-oo” of sandhill cranes, the quacks of mallard ducks, and the vibrant whistling songs of western meadowlarks. We will also find beautiful vistas of wetlands and meadows that make up great portions of the Refuge. As a backdrop to the Refuge’s many scenic vistas, visitors can also enjoy amazing sunsets against the backdrop of the nearby San Juan Mountains.

Accommodations

When not in the field, guests will enjoy wonderful accommodations and dining provided by Ranchlands, the amazing team that manages the ranch. Guests will be joined by Bird Conservancy of the Rockies staff including Executive Director and Sandhill Crane expert Tammy VerCauteren and Anna Greenberg, Private Lands Wildlife Biologist based in the San Luis Valley. With a small group size, the trip will give guests a high level of access to scientists, birding experts and conservation practitioners and the opportunity for deep learning about the challenges and successes in the bird conservation world.

Details

Cost of the trip is $995 per room based on double occupancy.

Cost Includes: Accommodations for two nights, meals as specified in the itinerary, land transportation during the journey, professional guide services, park and other entrance fees, and miscellaneous program expenses.
Cost Does Not Include: Transportation to and from Zapata Ranch, items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone, drinks from the bar, and gratuities for luggage handling or personal services.
Bird Conservancy of the Rockies is collaborating with Ranchlands to offer this trip. Ranchlands is responsible for all trip accommodations, services, and policies. Trip costs and fees will be processed by Ranchlands and will not constitute a charitable gift to Bird Conservancy of the Rockies.
Dec 15
1

Great Backyard Bird Count

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Take part in the continued community science of the Great Backyard Bird Count. This world-wide event is a collaborative effort of birders all coming together to see what birds are around mid-winter in their community.
Join us at Barr Lake to take part in this tradition and learn how you can continue being a community scientist throughout the year!
This event is free, but registration is required. Please register at the link below. Space is limited.
Register Here!
Dec 14
1

Nature Art – Family & Homeschool Program

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There are countless ways to create art, and nature is the ultimate inspiration. Join Bird Conservancy Educators as we explore our creative sides and the great outdoors to see what materpieces we create! Have a little one? We have developmentally appropriate activities for our littlest learners, too! Playing outside can get messy, so be sure to wear old clothes!

Registration is required. Follow this LINK to register!

Cost: $7/child (Ages 1-17)
$1/adult (18 & up)

Scholarships are available. Please complete this FORM BEFORE you register and wait for a reply from a Bird Conservancy staff member.

This program takes place at Bird Conservancy’s Environmental Learning Center located at 14500 Lark Bunting Ln., Brighton, CO. Please note, a $10 Daily or Annual Colorado State Parks Pass is required for entry into the park at all times.

Dec 14
1

Bald Eagle Extravaganza – Family & Homeschool

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Learn all about the Bald Eagles of Barr lake, the science and studies working to protect them, all while observing them on a guided walk.

Have a little one? We have developmentally appropriate activities for our littlest learners, too!

Playing outside can get messy, so be sure to wear old clothes! Registration is required. Follow this LINK to register!

Cost: $7/child (Ages 1-17)
$1/adult (18 & up)

Scholarships are available. Please complete this FORM BEFORE you register and wait for a reply from a Bird Conservancy staff member.

This program takes place at Barr Lake State Park at the Meadowlark Pavilion. 13401 Picadilly Road Brighton Colorado

Nov 08
1

The Continuance of Indigenous Lifeways and Bird Conservation

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Thursday, February 02, 2023
7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Denver Museum of Nature and Science
Aimee Roberson is a citizen of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and of Chickasaw descent. Roberson is a lifelong student of Earth’s wisdom, and currently serves as the southwest regional director for American Bird Conservancy. Sharing compelling stories from her life, career and culture, Roberson addresses environmental, climate and human rights crises through the continuance of Indigenous lifeways and bird conservation. She is committed to reciprocity, community and environmental stewardship, and partners with people and all our relations to ensure that native grasses grow and rivers continue to flow. Roberson provides leadership to conservation partnerships with an emphasis on the southwestern United States and northern Mexico — co-creating a vision; integrating cultural values and ecological knowledge with science for meaningful decision making; and implementing shared strategies for stewarding wildlife, water and ecosystems. Presented in partnership with Bird Conservancy of the Rockies and with promotional support from Audubon Rockies and Denver Audubon.
Follow this LINK to learn more and to register
Oct 31
1

Scotts Bluff Trail Feathers – Riverside Park

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Did you know that Scottsbluff is a birding convergence of eastern and western species? Join Bird Conservancy of the Rockies to get to know the winged wonders that share our home. We will explore a different area of Scotts Bluff County each month, covering many habitats with a chance to discover new birds each time.
This program is intended for anyone interested in birding; from beginners to experts.
Binoculars and field guides will be available to borrow. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and be prepared to be outside for two hours.
We will be meeting at the Monument Valley Trail Head next to the YMCA Trails West Camp parking lot.
Register Here!
Thanks to generous support from our sponsors, this program is provided at NO COST!
For more information: [email protected] or 308-633-1013
All are welcome. Our community of practice is to be an organization that empowers people of all backgrounds, beliefs, colors and creeds to join in, benefit from and contribute to our mission. We strive for inclusivity of all persons regardless of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other status